Could have been worse...

Rating: 9/10 (28 June 2003)

I saw this movie because I had a feeling that it will slip under the radar and become of a "UHF" for the year 2k3. Understandably, this film may be one of the best films in what seems like, at least in my mind, another summer filled with nothing but more sequels and lame remakes. After I watched it, I came away with a deep sense of satisfaction knowing that my money and time were well spent.
Here are my reasons (spoilers contained): (1) This was a horror movie. There was enough gore and psychosis to go around and the balance between them was perfectly leveled. (2) The cinematography was dark and gritty. I felt like I was watching "Trainspotting" again. (3) Even in a movie supposedly devoid of any real subject matter, there was a bit of thought injected into it. I especially liked the ranting of the sergeant who was chained to the radiator. (4) Maybe I don't have a sense for knowing whether a film is predictable or not, I found it to be slightly unpredictable and that was good enough for me. The last five minutes of the film is probably the best example I can cite on this point. (5) Danny Boyle knows how to work with a camera and a cast. His exemplary direction of "28 Days Later..." gives weight to the notion that he one of the better directors currently in the industry. (6) Although nowhere near as compelling as "In The Company of Men", I was intrigued by the fact that humans are cruel to fellow humans when infected or not infected with contagious plague. The one sets of scenes where Jim is talking with Selina and Mark in Jim's home, we find that Mark horribly describes his escape from infestation as people (infected or otherwise) try to escape those in the crowd who are miasmic. (7) Realism plays a key role in "28 Days Later...". In a situation like that, you will never know who you will run into and who you will end up trusting, distrusting, or mistrusting. I think if I were put into a situation like that, I might end up with only my brother, my third cousin once-removed, and my mortal enemy as my only companions. I found the film to be a realistic portrayal of fictional circumstances. (8) I thought the best performance of the film went to Jim. The man was a masterful lead as distraught bike courier and andrenaline-charged savior. (9) This was definitely a retreat from typical summer fare. I think this might be the best film of the summer. Nine reasons give a score of nine.
My only beef was with the male nudity. Too much can make anyone go blind but I guess it was deserved. How many horror movies have been made with naked females? It was definitely a retreat from the typical horror junk (like Jeepers Creepers III: He Comes Back for a cheeseburger and Jason XXV: Jason Dies From A Kick In The Shin by a 7-year old girl). Overall, I found this movie to be worth the time and money so skip "The Hulk", "Charlie's Angels", and whatever other big name stuff that is coming out and go see something that will disappear fast. That is why I saw "28 Days Later..." now because it may be gone next weekend.
Here ends my rant!